ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the peculiarities of the electoral system that the Chileans devised for themselves and focuses on the development of the electorate as promoted by the parties of the country and a profile of the principal protagonists in the political drama: the politicians. Ideology, electoral platforms, incorporation of new voters, and political brokerage established a system of continuous communication between the parties and their prospective supporters. As the apportionment of deputies brings to light the underrepresentation and electoral disadvantages of the heavily populated provinces of Chile, especially Santiago, the same applies to the apportionment of senators. In the political literature of the country, the designation "historical party" is given to parties such as the Conservative or Liberal, which appeared during the first half of the nineteenth century and monopolized the politics of the country during that century. In the tense political atmosphere of October 1948, General Ibanez del Campo and a Colonel Vergara were accused of a military-backed conspiracy.
